Author. 




Title 



Book 



L»1 3 4 \ 



Imprint 



THE 



ANNUAL ADDRESS 



DKLITKREI) BEFORE THE 



BEIiliES-IiETTRES AND UNION PHIIjOSOPHI€A1j SOCIETIES 



DICKINSON COLLEGE, CARLISLE, PA., 



July 19, 1837, 



HON. A. L. HAYES, 

JRADUATE MEMBER OF THE nELLES-LETTRES SIH'IETY. 



Publtsliert at the request of i)oth !?9«»cJetics. 



WASHINGTON: 

PRINTED BY GALES AND SEATON. 

1837. 



( 



^/a/^ JuAui^ 



THE ^ 

ANNUAL ADDRESS 

Dl-llVEIlLII BDFOUE THt 

BELIiES-LBTTKES AND UNION PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETIES 



DICKINSON COLLEGE, CARLISLE, PA., 



July 19, 1837, 



HON. A^^L. HAVES, 

fjIRADUATi; MEMBER OF T1!K liKLLK.S-LBTTKKS bUCIETV, 



PiiWisiLcd at the rcqueist ol both So€icties« 



WASHINGTON: 

PRINTED BY GALES AND SF,ATON. 
18J7. 



J ^5 



eabody Inst, of Eal.o. 
June 16 l©a7 



blCKlNSOX COLLEGI:, Jubf I'J, I80/'. 

su Uie Hon A. L. Havls ; 

Sir : III beluiH" of tiie JPelles-LcUres and Union PhilosophicHl Societies, we 
fcluni you their sincere tlianks for the very able, eloquent, and instructive 
address, which you delivered before them this afternoon, in the Methodist 
Episcopal church, and request that you M'ill Ikvor us with a cojjv for publication. 
Permit us, sir, to subscribe ourselves, with considerations of regard and 
friendship, 



Yours, Sec, 



WM. K. WOODWARD, -\ ,, ,. „ „ ,, 

J () HN EMORY, i '^ T-J t' ^, 

T. T. \VYSONG, 5 ^^'^^'^^ 'Society. 

WM. S. WATERS, ) Com. of Ihe Union 

JOHN LYON, C Philosophical So- 

13. H. CREVER, J) defy. 



Mansion Housi; Hotel, JhIi/ 20, 1837. 
Gkntlkmln: Incompliance with your request, on behalf of the Belles-Lettres 
and Union I'hilosopliical Societies, 1 furnish you with a copy of the address de- 
livered before them. 

1 thank you, gentlemen, for the terms in which you have been pleased to 
express their wishes ; and 1 cordially reciprocate your sentiments of regard. 
Very truly yours. Sec, 

A. L. HAYES. 
To Messrs. VVi.i. R. Woodwarh, 
.1. Emory, 
T. T. WvsoNc, 
Wm. S. Waters, 
John Lyon, 

B. Jl. CuJGVtK. 



ADDRESS. 



Gentlemen of the Literary Societies of Dickinson College: 

However interesting it might prove to the speaker, to dilate upon the 
various subjects and excellent works which the scheme of collegiate in- 
struction embraces, any review of these, within the limits of an address, 
would necessarily be too general, to afford either profit or entertainment 
to others. It is merely proposed, therefore, in the remarlv^ that are 
more particularly designed for the junior portion of my hea/ers, to pre- 
sent some reflections upon the utility of the ancient classics, especially 
as constituting a principal department of a liberal educat'on. 

The agency, which the productions of Grecian and Roman learning 
exercised in the revival of letters, must forever coMimend them to the 
veneration of enlightened minds. Their restoration from the cells of 
the monasteries, in which they were for ages inmiured, and where they 
had been preserved from the barbarian spoilers of the Roman empire, 
roused the dormant energies of the European intellect, and served more 
than any other cause, to dispel the thick darkness which followed the 
desolating irruptions of the Goths into Italy. Such was the admiration 
excited by this resurrection of ancient genius, that for some centuries 
after, all other studies and literary occupation, were deemed trivial and 
sniimportant. The recovered works of the Greek and Roman poets, 
historians, and philosophers, were thought to comprise, whatever was 
desirable for the instruction and accomplishment of the understanding, 
and the improvement of morals. They were dignified with the appel- 
lation of humanities, liferfs Jmmaniores, implying their superior, if not 
exclusive excellence. And whoever dedicated themselves to the study, 
received the corresponding title o{ humanists, as exhibiting the meliora- 
ting influence of their pursuits: 

Emollit mores ncc sinit esse fcros. 

The progress of the useful arts compelled, at length, some degree of 
attention, in the systems of education, to mathematical and physical 



6 

studies; but the text-books of science were for a long time published and 
studied in Latin, which continued, until no very remote period, to be the 
exclusive language of scientific and philosophical treatises. With tiie 
gradual improvement of the modern languages a party arose, who pro- 
ceeded from denying the propriety of learning the sciences in a foreign 
tongue, to question the utility of making the ancient and dead languages 
an object of general education; contending that the period of youth, de- 
voted to the acquisition of Greek and Latin, would be much better em- 
ployed in acquiring the mathematical and physical sciences, and the 
many branches of daily useful knowledge. This party, to distinguish 
them from the humanists, were called philanthropists. Both sides push- 
ed their peculiar dogmas (as adverse parties generally do) to the oppo- 
site extremes, whilst truth and reason occupied their appropriate sphere 
in the midst. 

The philanthropists have been constantly gaining ground and increas- 
ing in numbers ; but we rarely meet with or hea;- of any, who can bo 
considered as belonging to the other party. The opinions of the former, 
are irequent'.y seen in various publications, and have been embraced by 
some men ol distinguished abilities. In an able discourse delivered in 
the Miami University, in 1834, their doctrine was honored with the 
advocacy of a learned and patriotic citizen of South Carolina, whose 
immediately subseqcent and premature death was a loss to the country. 
The gentleman all.ideJ to, the late Mr. Grimke, of Charleston, enjoyed 
a high literary celebrity on account of his superior intellectual powers 
and extraordinary cultivation. 'J'he same doctrine has been recently 
maintained, to a considerable extent, in a course of lectures by an emi- 
nent author, George Combe, Esquire, of Edinburgh ; who has presented 
an American edition of his work to the people of the United States, for 
their particular edification. 

To come nearer home: the lato Mr. Oirard, in prescribing regula- 
tions for his college, says, in reference to the introduction of the Latin 
and fireek languages, that he does not ft)rbid them, yet he does not 
recommend them. To which n)ay be added, (what I most of all and 
on every account regret,) that a committee in our Legislature, reporting 
upon an application for aid by some of our academies and colleges, 
among other reasons for rejecting il, repndiated their claim to public 
assistance, on the ground that these are aristocratic institutions! The 
learning which they inculcate must, of course, as I suppose, have been 
considered by the committee as aristocratic learning ! 

It will be perceived, then, that in the endeavor to maintain the stand- 
ing of the ancient literature in our seminaries, we have real opponents, 
most of whom are not merely indifl'erent, but are hostile to the tuition 



of the ancient languages, deeming the time bestowed upon their acquisi- 
tion as little better than absolutely wasted. 

Admitting the impro[)riety of devoting an exclusive or the same at- 
tention to them as was considered necessary, when they were the only 
avenues to science, I yet hold that there cannot be any substitute or 
equivalent for these languages, and that they cannot be superseded, with- 
out irreparable injury to the cause of education and of mind. 

It would be an error, undoubtedly, to suppose that the immature intel- 
lects of the very young, cannot reason at all ; it is equally erroneous to 
imagine, (and a piistake unfortunately too much carried into practice,) 
that they are capable of extended processes of mathematical, philosoph- 
ical, or metaphysical reasoning, or the just apprehension of abstract 
propositions. The mind begins very early to form judgments, though 
its reasonings are limited by its means of comparison, which before the 
age of puberty are necessarily simple, being furnished, for the most part, 
by the immediate sensations arising from impressions of external objects. 
It is active at this age, but its excursions are short ; it reasons frequent- 
ly, but the links in the chains of its deductions are few. The power of 
generalization is not yet acquired ; hence its inaptitude to comprehend 
abstract definitions. It requires exercise suited to its feebleness, in order 
lo develop its faculties; and this should be the object of a proper course 
of instruction to supply. The best education, is that which provides the 
best means for this purpose. 

Academical instruction must, of necessity, be elementary. The notion 
that youth can be qualified, either in primary schools or colleges, to 
assume at once the practice of any of the professions or callings of active 
life, surprises by its extreme simplicity. The real business of men is 
made up of practical and minute details, which nothing but experience in 
business can teach. A proposition so evident, every mind is ready to 
admit ; and yet the idea to which we have adverted, has influenced, in no 
inconsiderable degree, the opinion of those who condemn the study of 
the ancient languages. It has manifestly swayed the speculations of the 
philosophic Mr. Combe. " A young lady," says he, " who can draw a 
very handsome cottage, could not rear a fabric corresponding to it. She 
is not an architect ; and the difiisrence between her and an architect 
consists in this: that she is defective in all the practical knowledge, skill, 
and experience, which are indispensable to render her design an actual 
house. A scholar in Greek and Latin is not a man of business, for a 
similar reason. He is not instructed in that knowledge of affairs and 
things that exist — tiie knowledge of which constitutes practical busi- 
ness." 

Now, all that education in seminaries of learning ever can, or ever 



proposed to teach, are tlie rudiments of that knowledge, and the princi- 
ples of those sciences, which are connected with the duties and affairs of 
the world ; and it is no objection to say that a student, however well 
accomplished in these rudiments and principles, is unable to build a 
house, construct a bridge or a steam engine, to write a sermon, plead a 
cause, or heal the diseases " that flesh is heir to." It is enough, if by 
means of such culture, a young man can learn to perform all these things, 
both much sooner and much better than he could possibly do without it; 
and this advantage, as the result of education, candor will always con- 
cede. 

From the mutual relation and dependence of the arts and sciences, 
he who begins the study of the former, with a knowledge of the prin- 
ciples upon which they are founded, and which it is the business of the 
latter to inculcate, has already mastered the greatest difficulty of the un- 
dertaking. He has the same advantage over one who enters upon the 
task without this knowledge, that the mariner, acquainted with naviga- 
tion, and having a compass, has over another who, having no knowledge 
of the principles of sailing, attempts to navigate without either chart or 
compass to direct his course. 

With regard to those professions which depend chiefly upon the intel- 
lect, education affords to the student not only much auxiliary knowledge, 
but the mental discipline, which is equivalent to dexterity in the me- 
chanic arts ; so that, like the musician who applies himself to some new 
instrument, he finds all his previous acquirements and skill invaluable, 
facilities in his new undertaking. I am aware that this is answering the 
objection, as if it ware urged against education in general. And such, 
in truth, is the character which it assumes, since the business of life can 
no where be taught, except where it is transacted — in the office, tin; 
workshop, the counting-house, or the field. 

But during those tender years, (from nine to fourteen,) whilst the mind 
as well as the body, is incapable of the severe and protracted exertions 
which are adapted to the maturity of manhood, whilst its powers are still 
feeble and its faculties not yet fully inifoldcd, I much doubt whether 
those studies, which are considered as more intimately related to the busi- 
ness of life, can be usefully or judiciously pursued. The rules of arith- 
metic, the problems of geometry, mensuration, and surveying, and the 
definitions of grammar, may, like any other abstractions, be conned 
over and committed to memory — all to little purpose. Being imperfectly 
comprehended at so early an age, the knowledge thus acquired, vanishes 
with the recollection of the words in which it was conveyed : hnvd in- 
expertus loqunr. 

In my humble judgment, no course of studies has ever been suggested 



9 

or devised, wliicli is so well suited to this period of yoiuli, as that of the 
Latin and Greek languages. The daily routine of tiie exercises gives 
that wholesome employment to the faculties, which, by tasking them not 
overmucii, is best adapted to their gradual development. The memory 
is regularly and constantly exerted, so as most effectually to improve its 
twofold virtue, facile jicrcificrc ct Jidelitcr contincre, readiness of re- 
ception and faithful retention. The analysis of sentences, required to 
ascertain their proper construction, furnishes suitable exercise to this fac- 
ulty, as well as to the judgment and reason, every application of a syn- 
tactical rule being, in truth, an instance of practical logic, to the com- 
prehension of which the young mind, with moderate diligence, finds itself 
perfectly adequate ; whilst the selection from many various definitions 
of that which is best adapted to render the meaning of the author, in- 
volves a consideration of the subject-matter and the context, and is well 
calculated to sharpen the sagacity and increase the vigor of the intellect. 
Add 10 this, the imagination is excited and gratified by the most pleas- 
ing and splendid imagery, and the moral feelings arc exercised in the 
contemplation of examples of filial piety, heroic fortitude, devoted pa- 
triotism, and godlike justice, wliicii have crowned the human character 
with the brightest lustre. By tiiiis nourishing the understanding and 
affections " with food convenient for them," they are gradually expand- 
ed with the natural growth of the body, and with it attain a sound matii- 
rit}', more likely to produce good fruil, than if forced to premature luxu- 
riance by any hotbed process of modern invention. Tiie fact, that in 
the most civilized nations, these two languages have, for six centuries 
been emplo3'ed as an essential part of the instruction of youtii, in their 
highest seminaries, is only to be accounted for by the intrinsic excellence 
of the discipline itself. 

But the utility of these studies, exists not in their adaptation alone to 
the youthful mind. They are eminently, beneficial in assisting us to an 
accurate knowledge of our own language; so that it may be truly affirm- 
ed, that the easiest and readiest way of thoroughly learning the English, 
is by acquiring tiie Greek and Latin tongues ; the structure of which, is 
so regular and simple, and the connexions and analogies are so marked, 
as to present the best illustration of the general principles of piiilology 
which are common to all languages, and with which, every studcnl, in 
mastering these, necessarily makes himself familiar. 

The advantages of a knowledge of the modern European languages, 
especially the French, Spanish, Italian, and German, have not been dis- 
puted, and are unquestionable. Tlie tliree former, being offsprings of 
the Latin, half the labor of their acquisition is saved to the student, who 
is acciuainted wilii the parent language : and the same habits of studj. 



10 

which have conquered the diflicLihies of the ancient languages, will have 
snioolhed the path to the attainment of the latter. 

Most of the sciences which have grown up in modern times, have their 
nomenclatures framed from the Greek and Latin. Botany, for instance, 
has derived its terminology from the Latin, and chemistry its terminol- 
ogy from the Greek ; to these, also, are both law and medicine much 
indebted for most of their technical terms. Although it will not be con- 
tended, that a knowledge of the ancient languages is indispensable to the 
student, who would make himself master of any of these sciences, yet it 
were vain to deny, that such knowledge greatly facilitates his progress, 
and imparts superior accuracy to his acquirements. 

To these obvious and practical uses of the learned languages, as a part 
of a liberal education, may be added other, and perhaps higher recom- 
mendations. Among all the ancient nations of the earth, the Greeks 
and Romans, are those, who have left the most enduring monuments of 
their wisdom and virtue. Many of the arts, which are allowed by all to 
do the greatest honor to human genius, were carried amongst them to 
a height of excellence which has never been, and may never be sur- 
passed. The remains of their works in architecture and sculpture, have 
been regarded and sought as invaluable treasures ; and the most ambi- 
tious efforts of succeeding generations, have aimed at no more than a 
successful imitation of these incomparable models. The Greek litera- 
ture, contains the most perfect poems, dramas, orations, philosophical 
treatises and histories ; and the language itself is, according to the uni- 
versal opinion of the learned, the most copious, flexible, sonorous, and 
elegant, that has ever graced the tongue or the pen. 

In Greece, too, men first attained a knowledge of the principles of 
regidated freedom ; and there the problem of the capacity of large com- 
nninities to govern themselves without tyrants, kings, or masters under 
any other name, was originally demonstrated. It was to the spirit of 
enlightened /retY/o/M, that their wonderful achievements in arts and arms 
may be ascribed. It was this, that produced that illustrious race of 
statesmen, poets, generals, philosophers, statuaries, and architects, who 
have shed an imperishable lustre upon the name of Greece, and made 
her the instructress of Europe and the world. It was the instinct of her 
well-informed democracy, to assign the first places in the state to men of 
the greatest renown for talents and worth, conscious that by this means 
only their title to self-government, could be vindicated in the eyes of 
mankind. They knew that their prosperity depended j^pon the ability 
and integrity with which their affairs were administered ; and conceding 
to rulers tlie homage due to the chosen depositories of the national au- 
thoritv, tlipv willingly yielded to their mandates the obedience required 



it 

by the laws. Such was Greece in tlio days, brilliant tlioiigli lew, of !ier 
highest glory, when Attica gave light and guarantied liberty to her sister 
states, and her citizens were regarded as ecjual to the princes ot" other 
lands. The result was seen in the matchless energy with which a peo- 
ple, by no means numerous, inhabiting a territory oi" small extent, over- 
came the most powerful monarchies, and destroyed the largest armies 
that were ever arrayed upon the held of battle. But they were unac- 
quainted with those guards, which modern policy has devised to control 
power within safe limits and prevent usurpation, and with those principles 
of confederation which, by a felicitous union of distinct sovereignties in a 
general and national government, give symmetry and strength to our 
compound republic. Whilst their rulers were truly patriotic, and the 
mass were virtuous, they attained the pinnacle of prosperity. But they 
trusted too much, and were betrayed ; the spirit of party degenerated into 
faction ; liberty ran uito licentiousness ; and the demagogues became 
hrst the flatterers and favorites, and then the enslavers of their fellow- 
citizens. Tiie contests of factions and the triumph of lawlpss force over 
freedom, are displayed, in broad lights, in the history of this extraordinary 
people. 

Nor is the argument deducible from the history ami literature of Rome, 
of inferior validity. The Roman history is e.ven more iinportnnt, in 
some respects, than the Grecian. The events are better ascertained, 
the narratives more authentic. We have a nearer view of the Romans, 
who were the last link of the ancient, world, with which the moderns im- 
mediately connect ; and the rise, progress, and decay of their empire, 
afitbrd the most striking illustration of the advantai^es resulting from the 
practice of fortitude, justice, patriotism, industry, and temperance, and 
the misery and degradation that ensue upon the neglect of these manly 
virtues. 

Another important lesson, is fiu'nished by this history: it is the insta- 
bility of empire founded u|)on conquest. The spirit of conquest was the 
soul of the Roman policy. Amidst all their internal changes and con- 
vulsions, ihr.y preserved a constant determination to acquire universal 
dominion. They elected their kings ; they expelled them ; chose con- 
suls ; elected decemvirs; substituted tribunes; and, finally, surrendered 
their liberties to the Cc-esars. A contest for privileges between the pa- 
tricians and plebeians, was long carried on with various success. Dicta- 
tors seized the government, and deluged the streets of Rome with the 
blood of her citizens. But under every condition of prosperous or ad- 
verse fortune, this warlike people still looked forward to the subjugation 
of foreign states. They had organized conquest and victory ; and, from 
an inconsiderable tribe collected together upon the banks of the Tiber, 



12 

where lliey founded their great city, having grown into a mighty nation, 
they extended their arms far and wide, so that in seven hundred years 
their eagles had penetrated every known region, and Rome hecame the 
undisputed mistress of the world. 

Mark what followed. The wealth of plundered nations accumulated 
in Rome and Italy, corrupted the citizens, who sold their freedom ; and 
those legions, whose disciplined valor had suhdued every enemy, next 
turned their arms upon their own country, seized the government, and 
exposed it at auction to the highest hidder. When the legions, in their 
turn, sank under the enervating influence of luxury, they fell an easy 
prey to the hardy barharians of the north, who ravaged Italy with fire 
and sword ; and in far less time than that in which the Romans had 
reared their mighty empire, the entire fabric was tumbled into ruins by 
the rude shock of their Gothic invaders. 

But anna cedant fogcc, conccdat laurea lingucE. The stern conquer- 
ors of Rome, though they annihilated her power, succumbed to her wis- 
dom. They adopted her jurisprudence to regulate their civil adminis- 
tration ; and to this day it continues to be the foundation of the civil 
codes over all the continent of Europe. 

In the departments of poetry, philosophy, and eloquence, the Romairs 
were inferior, and hardly inferior, to the Greeks; in history and criticism, 
they equalled if they did not surpass them. 

I regard as a most essential advantage, derivable from the cultivation 
of this ancient literature, that it is particularly adapted to form sound 
intellectual habits and a correct taste. The works put into the student's 
hands, are the productions of those who were considered by their coun- 
trymen and contemporaries as the most gifted, prudent, and virtuous of 
men ; and this judgment has been confirmed by every succeeding age 
to the present time. The reading of an author in a foreign language, 
from the necessary care required in ascertaining the exact sense, induces 
a more minute survey of his sentiments, than the perusal of the same 
ideas ex|)ressed in our own language. It is hardly possible to be con- 
versant for years with sucii minds, without becoming familiar with their 
modes of thinking, and imbued with their sentiments. The ancient 
wisdom, in the process of study, is transfused in various degrees into the 
minds of ingenuous students, and by a species of intellectual amalgama- 
tion, is made their own. These works, which have stood the test of time, 
and chance, and change, and been always regarded as the true standards 
of style, have, by fmnishing the best exemplars of composition in the 
various fields of literature, imparted all that rhetoric can teach, for ena- 
bling us to give a just expression to our conceptions. 

As in building, the Grecian and Roman orders have been deemed to 



13 

have left nothing to be desired, and are cuuslanlly appealed to foi deter- 
mining the propriety of architectural proportions, so in criticism, any 
new production, is estimated according to those immortal compositions 
which universal consent for twenty centuries, has established as the true 
classical standards of taste and fine writing. The benefits resulting from 
the possession of such models, are incalculable. There is no possibility 
of saying, to what the extravagances of fashion and fancy and eccentri- 
city of peculiar humors might lead, if these illustrious examples were not 
always at hand, to warn us against a departure from nature, of which the 
ancients were most accurate observers, and in a conformity to which — 
or, in other words, in simplicity, that last perfection of style — they chielly 
excelled. The tendency to deviate in the minor and obvious essentials 
of our language, with respect to which, all admit the necessity of fixed 
and permanent rules, is constantly perceived in new-fangled terms and 
phrases, new orthography, and new systems of orthoepy, yuch efforts 
demonstrate the cacoethes mutandi, (the disease of our times ;) though, 
in relation to the points adverted to, the utility of adhering to the receiv- 
ed standard is so manifest, that we may say, without I trust compromi- 
sing our patriotism, it will be long before we need an American diction- 
ary of the English language. But the higher qualities of style, are not 
Jinder the protection of the same constant and ready perception of utili- 
ty. Tiiese are left to the guardianship of cultivated taste and learned 
criticism, whose canons arc founded on the productions of classic genius 
in the two ancient languages under consideration. "I am persuaded 
(said the judicious Dr. Blair) that in proportion as the ancients are gen- 
erally studied and admired, or arc unknown and disregarded, in any 
country, good taste and good composition will flourish or decline." 

Should it occur to any who hears these remarks, that an exclusive at- 
tention to language will but inform the mind with sounds and signs, 
whilst it remains barren of useful knowledge, (and this is the burden of 
Mr. Combe's objection,) I would say, in the first place, that such exclu- 
sive attention is by no means recommended: all we contend for is the 
maintenance of the ancient languages, as a material part of a liberal edu- 
cation. But I do not admit the consequence suggested, though far from 
favoring the course of which it is predicated. The association between 
language and ideas, is too close for such a result. It must not be forgot- 
ten that " if things are the sons of Heaven, words are the daughters of 
earth -," and it is impossible to become intimately acquainted with signs, 
without learning much of the things signified. 

The er.igetical method of instruction, (which is extensively, and ought 
in my opinion to be universally introduced,) by which every thing 
connec\ed with the subject of the recitation is explained to the pupil, 



14 

imparts a great vaiiety of interesting and nnpuilant information, in addi- 
tion to the mere knowledge of llie language. In tliis way, the history, 
the customs, and the literature, of those pre-eminent nations, of which wk 
have spoken, are imbibed without much apparent labor, at the same time 
that a study of their languages, furnishes exercise to the expanding mind, 
the most appropriate and agreeable to its immature strength, and the 
best adapted duly to unfold and improve its faculties ; preparing it, like 
the well-trained soldier, for every exigency of future service. 

Freely conceding, as 1 do, the importance of mathematical and philo- 
sophical studies, both in the knowledge they procure, and the habits of 
persevering and incumbent application which they superinduce, I never- 
theless insist upon the ancient discipline, in which the master minds of 
a Bacon, a Milton, a Newton, a Blackstone, a Hamilton, and a Madison, 
were trained, to adorn our language and enlighten their fellow-men. 

If among those v/hom 1 have as yet more particularly addressed, there 
be none who have harbored a doubt of the excellence of this disci[tline, 
1 have only to say, in the words of our great dramatist, that 

"Truth can never be coiifinii'd euoiicrli. 



Tho' doubts did ever sleep." 

ImU if there be one, who has brought to the study of the ancient lan- 
guages a reluctant mind, from any preconceived notion of their inutility, 
and who may be led by my suggestions to change his opinion, and apply 
himself with new alacrity and vigor, I shall not think my slight labor 
entirely lost. 

To those who have just ended their collegiate career, and now turn 
their eyes upon the prospect before them, it would be an object of soli- 
citude to anticipate, were it possible, the things and events which are 
concealed by the shadows resting upon the future. 

When the illustrious discoverer of America was preparing for his great 
enterprise, he anxiously sought for information in all directions. He 
had studied the theories of philosophers, the published accounts of navi- 
gators and travellers, and had collated the charts of numerous voyages; 
but I'raughl as he was with whatever knowledge these sources could sup- 
ply, he did not disregard the simple statements of mariners, who had 
been driven by tempests and stress of weather, far into the unknown and 
mysterious ocean he was about to ex|)lore. We may imagine with what 
eager interest, he listened to the artless narrative of their observations 
upon the nature of the currents and of the winds, the color of the sea, 
the nights of birds, the drift wood, and even the sea weed which they 
had seen floating upon the distant western wave — circumstances, which 
to others might have appeared trivial and uninteresting, but which he 



15 

carefiillv registered lu liis iiitiiioi}', as uberiil indications to guide his con- 
templated voyage across the boundless deep. 

In that dim, misty ocean, the future, upon wliicii you are about to cni- 
'oark — notwithstanding all you have found recorded concerning the voy- 
age of life, its difliculties and its destination ; though you may have ex- 
•nnincd the charts which profess to designate the rocks, the whirlpools, 
and the quicksands that endanger its course, and studied the theories 
whicli set forth the currents and undercurrents, the winds that vex, 
and the calms that stagnate, the surface — you would still be inclined, (if 
I may judge of your feelings by a recollection of my own,) to lend your 
attention to the actual observations of those who have entered upon the 
same voyage before you, and who, like the seamen consulted by Colum- 
bus, may furnish some notices, Irom what has been witnessed in the past, 
by which you may possibly be enabled, the more safely and prosperously, 
to pursue your future career. " The thing that hath been is that which 
is, and that which is done is that which sJiall be done." 

The fust discovery made, after emerging from college, is the apparent 
desire of those with whom a young man begins to mingle in the inter- 
course of the world, to learn his character— in other words, his tcm|)er, 
liabits, sentiments, and principles of conduct ; a knowledge of whicli 
furnishes them with a guide for their conduct and deportment towards 
him. Hence a fair character is essential to success in life, which 
must, more or less, depend upon the confidence and esteem of others. 
Be careful to cherish thoughts and sentiments, worthy of a generous 
mind. " If one were so unhappy (said the Marchioness de Lambert to 
her son) as to want an honest heart, one ought, for one's own interest, 
to correct it." " Nothing makes a man truly valuable but his heart, and 
nothing but that can make him Iiapp\'. There his true greatness lies. 
The heart must be elevated by aspiring to great things, and daring to 
think ourselves worthy of them." 

It is a fatal mistake to set out with the belief, that one's real disposi- 
tion and character, can be long concealed from the world. However difli- 
cult it may 1)0 to know ourselves, (and \.\k gnothi scaidon* is confessedly 
difticult as well as iin|)ortant,) it is more difficult to prevent others from 
knowing us. He wiio thinks to succeed by dissimulation, most of all de- 
ludes himself; and nothing is more true than the rellection of Kochefou- 
tault, that men are never so easily deceived as when tliey try to deceive 
others. The cunning man betrays his want of capacity, by the very 
means he takes to accomplish his purpose of deception. He underrates 
the sagacity of others, at the same time that he overrates his own, hold- 
jng tlieir intelligence as nothing in comparison with his superior clever- 

* Tvw^/ (Tixvrov. 



16 

nebS ; and while he imagines he is invisibly pulling liie wires behind an 
impenetrable screen, unconsciously discloses to their vigilant inspection 
the complicated machinery of his illusions. Nor does he perceive that 
the success of deception can only, at best, be temporary ; that suspicion 
once awakened, and confidence withdrawn, his power is at an end. The 
community is put 'on its guard against all future attempts; forewarned, 
it is forearmed. The folly of that sinister loisdom, called cunning, is in 
nothing more manifest, than in the labors and toil it encounters to pro- 
cure, through by-ways and by crooked means, the estimation which 
straight-forward honesty attains without cost or efiort. 

Scrupulous integrity in our dealings, and strict veracity in our com- 
nuinications, form the basis of a character qualified to ensure trust and 
confidence, and are essential, indeed, to all human excellence. Super- 
added to these, diligence in one's vocation, benevolence, sinccjily, liber- 
ality, temperance, and fortitude, present a cluster of practical virtues 
which all can appreciate, and which will render success in life sure and 
decided. Such virtues, indeed, springing from Christian charity and 
Christian fartli, not only secure the respect and confidence of men, but 
furnish the strongest support of individual happiness — " our being's end 
and aim." 

Regular employment is the price of happiness ; and the, fust step, in 
general, after taking leave of our alma viatcr^ is the adoption of a j)ro- 
fession. No matter how bountifully Fortune may have showered her 
gifts, some settled occupation is essential to real cnjoynient. Without 
this, the mind, like an idle sword, is corroded by its own rust. Who 
lias ever known a perfectly indolent, that was not a miserable man? 
There is in this country no class of men of fortune, whose only care in 
life is to kill time and squander money, and who, associating together, 
may keep each other in countenance, though they cannot [)urcliase con- 
tentment. 

" Vain, idle, delicate, in tlioughtless case, 

Reserving woes for age, their prime they spend; 

All wretclied, hopeless, in the evii days, 

With sorrow, to the verge of life they tend. 

Griev'd with the present, of the past ashamed. 

They live, and are despised; they die, nor more are nam'd." 

The misery of such a condition was illustrated in the fate of the 
Frenchman, who, with rank and high connexions, ample fortune, youtli, 
health, repute, and " troop of friends," found life without employment 
so " weary, flat, stale, and unprofitable" — one dull, daily routine of ri- 
sing, dressing, eating, drinking, sleeping — that he preferred death by his 
own hand, to its longer endurance. Something of the feeling which pre- 



17 

■clpitated tlie fate of this wretched suicide, must have been experienced 
by every man, who has had the misfortune to live in tlie world, without 
any thing in the world to do. I hold it, therefore, to be of the last 
importance, to adopt an occupation, though I have nothing to say with 
respect to the choice of a profession, except that it should be such, as 
one will probably be satisfied with after it is made. 

Some difference will always exist in the degree of consideration which 
various occupations enjoy, owing to the unequal degrees of skill and in- 
telligence required by them; but true ambition would rather impart 
Jionor to one's profession, than seek to derive respectability from it. 
Our country is fortunately exempt from those castes, which separate so- 
ciety elsewhere into distinct compartments, to each of which a peculiar 
occupation or pursuit, is by law or custom assigned. Here all profes- 
sions, trades, and callings, are open. The only limitation, is imposed by 
mental or ph^isical inability; and one striking and important benefit of 
the liberal education you have received is, that it has made you freemen 
in the most extensive sense ; for, qualified by it, as you are, to enter 
upon any profession, 

" The world is all liefore you, where to clioose." 

A man of cultivated mind and real virtue, can never have his lustre 
soiled by any honest vocation well pursued. It is, indeed, far from be- 
ing a disadvantage, to possess abilities superior to the requisitions of 
one's calling. By the proper exertion of these, he is sure of rising to 
distinction in his pursuit, and of reaping all the benefit it may confer. 
A young painter having attracted Sir W. Scott's notice and protection, 
by some pictures he had produced in his apprenticeship, was inclined, 
on the expiration of his indentures, to turn his back on the humble pro- 
fession to which he had been bred ; but, waiting upon his eminent friend 
with a piece he had been commissioned to paint, received this salutary 
advice: that he should apply himself to the improvement of his profes- 
sion, as a much more lucrative field of exertion, instead of struggling 
with the difficulties that he must be sure to meet, for want of sufficient 
patrimony, in following the higher walks of art. The individual to 
whom this counsel was given, having accordingly turned his talents to 
study the science of his profession, has produced a highly commended 
work on the laws of harmonious coloring ; and, instead of being a third 
or second rate artist, trembling with nervous apprehension about the po- 
sition in which a picture may be hung at an exhibition, as really affect- 
ing his prospects in life, is the master of a large establishment, giving 
employment to a great number of men. 

A more illustrious example is furnished by the life of " Scotland's 
greatest man" himself. When he saw his literary pre-eminence endan- 
2 



18 

oered by the declining popularity of his poetical works, and especially 
by the appearance of Lord Byron as a rival, he, with that good sense in 
wiiich he so rniirh excelled, resolved to abandon the bright field of poesy 
for the humbler region of romance. The consequence was, that he be- 
came more popular in that career than iio had ever been as a poet; and, 
having distanced all competition, erected there the most noble monu- 
ments of his fame. 

These are instances in which ambition, guided by judgment, has ex- 
hibited its best fruits, both in relation to the individual and the public, 

I refrain from the attempt to lay down any rule for the choice of a 
profession, not only because it might be a presumptuous interference 
with determinations already adopted, or the wishes of friends which ouglit 
not to be disregarded, but because I deem it of less consequence what 
the choice may be, than that a choice should be made and pursued in 
the right spirit. Excellence in one's art or calling, is the first require- 
ment of professional duty. The disposition to excel, may arise from a 
calculation of profit or a desire of accumulation ; a motive which is hon- 
est, and, if the object be personal independence, is altogether laudable 
It rnay arise from a desire of distinction or a love of glory, which is a 
sentiment that deserves our favor, for it has unquestionably been pro- 
ductive of some of the best and noblest actions recorded in history. It 
is commonly found in union with a generous enthusiasm, which will not 
rest satisfied with a mediocrity of exertion, which keeps the niind always 
fresh, active, and vigorous, and exhibits the evidences of improvement 
to the latest period of life. It is reported of the celebrated Mr. Wirt, 
who possessed this fine spirit in an eminent degree, that some of his last 
professional efforts were superior to any of his previous performances; 
and that this was observable, not only in the substance of his addresses, 
but even in the finish and decoration of the style. I know not how others 
ma}' be afi"ected, but to mo nothing appears more admirable, than this 
progressive excellence in advanced age. It is a splendid triumph of 
mind over matter, and points unerringly to our immortal destination. 

Every one should have constantly in view a standard of merit in his 
profession, and should stimulate his exertions to realize it in his own 
performances. Let such a standard be as perfect as it may — the beau 
ideal of professional excellence ; for no axiom is more just, than that all 
models should be perfect, though man remains imperfect, that in striving 
to reach what is impossible, he may attain to what is tmcommon. Thus, 
by furnishing an example of superior skill and ability, by j^seful improve- 
ments in the practice of his art, or by enlarging the boundaries of the 
science connected with it, he best discharges that debt which every 
man owes to his profession. 



19 

WluUever profession a yoiiug man nniy have adopted, lie finds himself 
on his arrival at that stage of existence, his majority, "when youth elate 
steps into life," placed in a new relation to society. He is now a citi- 
zen, a constituent member of a republican Government, which was formed 
by that great body in which the potential sovereignty every where resides 
— the people. Of the constituent jtower, he perceives that he is a part; a 
unit, indeed, but one of an ascertainable number, the grand aggregate 
sum of equal and independent electors. He perceives that government 
is a trust, or grant of powers by the people, as specified in the constitu- 
tion, and consists of the constituency or body of electors and the admin- 
istrative departments, executive, legislative, and judiciary. The con- 
duct or operation of the (xovernment, is the result of the just execution 
of the powers thus granted, by all the constituted agents — the electors and 
the magistrates of the several departments. 

The constitution, the only legitimate vox pojmli amongst us, has made 
no provision in case of the failure of electors to perform their duty, 
whilst it has limited the duration of executive and legislative appoint- 
ments, fixing the time of their termination as well as commencement. 
With the strictest propriety, therefore, are the electors to be considered, 
in their relation of constituents, as a part of the Government, since their 
action is essential to its subsistence. They are the motive power, with- 
out which, the state engine can neither be put nor kept in operation ; 
and the universal neglect or omission of their duty, would necessarily 
involve society in a condition of anarchy and wild disorder, sine legibus, 
sine imperio. In this viev/ of the elective franchise, 1 do not think it is 
overrating the duty of the elector, to say that it is not of inferior im- 
portance to that of the administrative functionaries. Their powers are 
both derived Irom the same source— the constitution ; in which the 
functions of electors and of the magistrates, whether elected or appointed, 
are defined and limited. But the ability and integrity of the magistracy, 
depend either mediately or immediately upon tiie judgment and care, 
with which the electors choose their candidates and cast their votes j for 
every magistrate is either elected or appointed by some one or more, 
who are elected. The electors possess no constitutional control over 
those whom they elect, during the term of ofiice. With the election, 
their function pro hac vice, ceases. It is simply the power to choose 
from among their fellow-citizens, qualified according to the constitution, 
such as they think best fitted for the offices created by that fundamental 
ordinance. The nature of the offices, and the duties of those who hold 
them, are prescribed by the same supreme law. It is to this, as the 
veal voice of the people, not to the electors who are like themselves, the 
agents only of the people, that the constituted authoritieSs of whatever 



20 

department, are to look for instriiclious with respect to their duty. Upon 
tliis point, which is so simple and tangible, our political ethics are strangely 
defective ; and when some American Paley shall hereafter arise, to en- 
lighten the nation with the principles of political philosophy, applicable 
to our institutions, he will set the seal of censure upon the prominent 
and leading example of a most distinguished statesman, who many years 
ago resigned his seat as a Senator of the United States for Massachu- 
setts, because he could not concur with the Legislature of that State in 
a matter in which they had instructed him to vote. 

The fact that the electors, cannot control the conduct or proceedings 
of those whom their suffrages have placed in authority, gives additional 
cogency to the obligation on their part, to choose with caution and wis- 
dom. It is to be feared, that the nature and grounds of this obligation 
are not duly considered, and that many, who are exemplary in other 
respects, overlook the importance of a proper discharge of their electoral 
functions. A representative or an executive officer, who should wholly 
neglect or abandon his station, would be deemed to have merited the 
deepest censure of the community; and yet it would be difficult to show, 
in what he had offended more than the elector, who wholly neglects the 
duty devolved upon him, as one of that body in whom the choice of the 
Legislature, and the chief executive, and other magistrates, is vested by 
the constitution. 

It is related of two of the most illustrious men our country has pro- 
duced, who were distinguished as well for their piety as patriotism — 
General Washington and the late Bishop White — that they punctually, 
to the end of their lives, discharged the duty of casting their votes at 
every general election. 

It has been said, that every man owes a debt to his profession : with 
equal justice it may be declared, that every one owes a debt to his educa- 
tion; and I can conceive of no better mode of discharging this debt, than 
by extending, as widely as possible, the blessing of education toothers. 
You will thus evince to the world your estimation of the benefits you 
have received, and demonstrate that you arc not actuated by a churlish 
and selfish satisfaction in the consciousness of your superior advantages ; 
but that, appreciating these, you are moved by the generous wish, that 
they should be universally enjoyed. Opportunities will frequently pre- 
sent themselves of inculcating your views. You will meet with parents 
who have the means of liberally educating their children, but who think 
that they will do them a greater favor, by bestowing^' these n)eans 
in tlio shape of money and land. Convince them of their error. Show 
them that no possessions are more precarious than riches, which, unless 
the gift be accompanied by prudence and judgment in the use, are moif 



21 

likely to prove a bane than a blessing, whilst lliey last, and, when they 
lake to themselves wings, leave behind, with ignorance, a train of vices 
that are sure to entail disgrace and misery upon the unfortunate pos- 
sessor, or, at best, leave him without resource or solace in his unmit- 
igated distress; whereas education is a security in prosperity, as well 
as the means of attaining it — a friend in adversity that the malice of 
evil fortune cannot alienate ; a friend, ready with expedients to repel 
misfortune, or to soften and shorten its visitations. 

You will meet with sons to whom the choice may have been unwisely 
committed, whether to obtain an education or not. Point them to the 
eminences of public and private life, and ask them if they have no de- 
sire to render themselves worthy of those high places. Point them to 
the honors achieved in every walk and profession, and tell them the 
shortest and surest approach to these, is through the classic portals of 
education. Tell them of the men who have illumined and adorned the 
ages in which they llourished, and whose names, triumphant over fate, 
shine as glittering lights " in the dark backward, and abysm of time:" 

" Their ashes rest in peace; eternal Fame 
Sounds wide their praise." 

If they would emulate those bright examples, exhort them to pursue 
with diligence the only means by which they may accomplish their gen- 
erous purpose, a learned and virtuous education. 

A few years will place some of you in the halls of the Legislature, 
and bring you to reflect upon the intimate and necessary connexion, be- 
tween the difiusion of knowledge and the prosperity of the country. The 
fundamental principle of our civil polity — the sovereignly of the people, 
refers all power to whom Cod has given it — the many, not the few. It 
places the pyramid on its base, whereas the sovereignty of a monarchy, 
or an aristocracy, reverses the order of nature, and turns it upon its apex. 
It recognises, as essential, popular representation, equality of civil and 
political rights, and religious freedom. These institutions were the 
purchase of our Revolution, and were achieved more by the intelligence 
ihan the valor of our fathers, tiiough their valor was beyond all praise. 
It is only by intelligence and virtue, that they can be preserved. Let 
our Legislature, then, provide for the universal diffusion of knowledge. 
Let every citizen be instructed, so that he may be qualified, by his own 
independent judgment, to perform his duty as a member of the repub- 
lic, and especially, in his electoral capacity, to choose the most competent 
men for public stations. Knowledge, to the individual, has been said to 
be power: to the people it is more; it is liberty. And to our State, 
with the boundless resources of her fertile plains and fine valleys, the 



22 

mineral abundance of her mountains, lier numerous rivers and forests, 
knowledge is wealth. Behold its fruiis in the canals, railroads, turn- 
pikes, bridges, and other public works which traverse and adorn her 
territory. With such resources, and the disposition to use them, to a 
people enterprising, industrious, and frugal, knowledge is the most pro- 
ductive capital. Former Legislatures have, in these great works, erected 
the monuments of an enviable glory ; but a nobler field remains in llie 
improvement of our intellectual resources. The good work is already 
begun ; may it advance, not only until every child in the Commonwealth 
shall receive the rudiments of learning, but until every youth sliall pos- 
sess the opportunity of a thorough and complete education. Pennsyl- 
vania has taken the lead in the field of internal improvement: let her 
not lag behind in the career of intellectual and moral cultivation. Let 
her endow with a liberal hand her academies, colleges, and universities, 
so that every son of her soil, may be trained up in all useful knowledge 
and accomplishments, by means of the literary institutions within her 
own borders. The splendid results will be exhibited in the enlightened 
labors of her administraiive departments, in her congressional represent- 
ations, in her scientific and literary bodies, and in the long list of 
brilliant names which she will furnish, to enhance her own reputation, 
and to illustrate tlie glory of our common country. 



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